Denver. Ever been there? It’s one of the hottest cities and growing in the US. I love Denver. It might have something to do with my baby sister living there but I’ve quickly grown to see why it’s one of the hottest cities in the US right now. I’m gonna break it down for you on what you wanna do when you’re in Denver; where to eat, where to shop, where to take your kids, and even a few fun places where you might want to live or invest if that’s your thing in the next hottest place to live
There are still some up-and-coming areas in Denver but a lot of the city is growing and growing fast and furiously. One of the not so great things if you are living in Denver or want to move to Denver is the cost of living. See above when I said it’s one of the hottest guy in cities in the US, well of course that comes with a price tag. And I suppose that price tag passes along to those who visit Denver for travel arrangements although we've never cared or noticed becuase we stay with my sister who lives in Denver. She's lived there for many years and knows all the great spots and family friendly areas.
Given the state of the world right now, traveling domestically, there’s never been a better time and so Denver is one of the most family-friendly cities, some of the best food I’ve ever had and great shopping! We just visited less than 2 weeks ago, a ski trip so we were also in Winter Park, Colorado but we made a quick stop in Denver...well because its one of our fav cities so heres the recap:
So, let’s get into it. As I’m writing this my kids are five into and these are activities we’ve done from when they were zero up until five. And these are restaurants we’ve eaten that, places we’ve loved, and shopping I just can’t get enough of. If you’re looking for a family friendly destinations where you can walk pretty much anywhere, fantastic weather just about all your round, fun fact, did you know the sun shines in Denver 300 days a year?!? Wow, I’m here for that!
Also fun fact; the temperature when the sun is out feels so much warmer, due to the elevation in Denver because you’re closer to the sun. So for those of you that loves warm weather and sunshine like me Denver will quickly become one of your favorite places to visit.
Restaurants: Honestly this list could be miles long but these are our top favs:
Angelos- The Best Oysters + Pizza
Linger- Global Small Plates (this used to be an old mortuary, it now has a super cool vibe + outdoor rooftop seating)
Snooze- Fab Breakfast Place
Tag burger bar- Burgers
Dairy block- This is an area within Denver. Great restaurants. Shopping. Boutique Shopping Trucks, A FAB outdoor seating area for hanging out, brick paver walkways and is just so dreamy.
Urban farmer- Steakhouse. We were there for brunch and they had the best Bloody Mary's. Complete with a Bloody Mary Charcuterie Board so you could flavor your own up. To Die For.
Lik's Ice Cream- Ice Cream
Little man ice cream- Ice Cream
VooDoo Donuts- Seriously the best donuts. Ever. So many different kinds + unique names. Definitely eclectic atmosphere.
Kid Friendly Places to Visit:
Denver Zoo-We took our oldest when he was around 2. It was awful hot but goodness it was fun! They have a fantastic African animal section.
Butterfly Pavilion- A little outside of Denver but so fun. It was incredible to have butterflies landing all over you!
Union Station- Such a cool place to walk around where the train comes in and out. Filled with lots of shops and food!
Denver Botanic Gardens- Great place to walk around and explore and let the kids run off some energy. Beautiful exhibits, gardens, and fish.
Denver Aquarium- We whipped through here pretty quickly but it was so fun to see all the fish and animals. We even got to take our pic with a porcupine. Talk about exciting!
City Park- We love City Park, it's a great place to walk and view and really close to the Denver Zoo, Denver Museum of Nature and Science plus some great views of the city.
Denver Museum of Nature and Science- Explore Cosmos, gems and minerals along with a T-Rex sculpture.
Childrens Museum in Denver-Lots of interactive exhibits and special events happen which is sure to keep all the kids engaged!
Visiting Places just outside of Denver
Red Rocks Amphitheater- while they have some dynamite events here its also a tourist destination. Go and check out the amazing views or do a stair workout sure to challenge your legs!
Drive up Mt Evans- The day we did this they closed the second half of the road so we never made it to the top but gorgeous views for sure
Boulder- This is a great College down in the valley, it includes gorgeous mountain views along with great food + shopping.
Now for the SHOPPING!
Cherry Creek Mall- If you want to shop at a mall, Cherry Creek is for you. Beautiful inside and out and filled with all the stores a girl needs!
Dairy Block- This is an area within Denver. Great restaurants. Shopping. Boutique Shopping Trucks, A FAB outdoor seating area for hanging out, brick paver walkways and is just so dreamy.
Larimer Square- Historic area that captures both urban and historical feeling of Denver.
Highlands Square- More laid back shopping with funky gifts but great shops to find some one of a kind gifts!
South Broadway Shopping- Referred to as richest shopping on this side of the Mississippi. Customer Service is king here. If you wanted to be waited on and treated like the queen you are, this is for you!
And lastly let's talk about some of the hottest areas in Denver if you're looking to move or invest in a place there.
1. Holly Hills offers prime real estate close to downtown light rail, shopping, highline canal and many other retail areas.
2. Cherry Creek (really close to really great shopping at Cherry Creek mall)
3. Superior- Gives a suburban vibe
4. North Hill Park- Great Place to raise a family
5. Inverness- Neighborhood Security Guard and everyone is very friendly
Planning a Vacation? Check out this busy mom Life packing list including what to pack in your checked bag, what to bring in your carry-on bag, natural remedies and supplements you can’t leave home without, and a wellness travel routine to keep you healthy on your trip!
Whether I’m traveling with the family, taking a girls trip or going on a business trip, I never leave home without these natural travel essentials. I love that everything on this packing list is made with natural ingredients – which means I can still live a natural wellness lifestyle – complete with my favorite natural wellness remedies – even when I’m traveling.
Toiletry Bag:
Skincare: I use the Young Living ART Skincare line from Young Living. I get the ART Skincare System (get it for wholesale pricing here) that includes the face wash, toner and moisturizer.
Personal care products – I get these in a set call the Bon Voyage Kit. It comes with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion, face moisturizer, Thieves toothpaste, toothbrush and floss. It’s like an all-in-one toiletry bag (get it for wholesale pricing here).
Makeup – I use Savvy Minerals – it’s a 100% natural mineral makeup line. You can get a starter set that comes with foundation powder, eye shadow, lip gloss, blush and other goodies.
Deodorant – I really love Valor Natural Deodorant (get it for wholesale pricing here).
Toothpaste – Hands down, I love this travel-sized Thieves toothpaste (get it for wholesale pricing here). It doesn’t have fluoride, yet it cleans teeth so well. I add a drop of orange essential oil on my toothbrush along with Thieves toothpaste to naturally whiten my teeth.
Thieves wipes – These are amazing for everything from wiping down airplane trays and toilet seats to keeping under arms fresh or taking off makeup. I love Thieves Wipes – they’re all-natural and compostable too (get it for wholesale pricing here).
My Purse
If I'm traveling over 2 nights, I pack everything but my checked bag and just walk on the plane with my purse, computer and a good book. I know people say you should always pack a carry-on when you travel in case your luggage gets lost but after years of business travel, its freeing to walk around the airport carrying just a purse!
- Foundation powder, dark eye shadow and lip gloss – to look fresh after a long car or plane ride.
- Thieves Hand Spray – to wipe down surfaces that need cleaning like the airplane tray or dirty bathroom seats.
- Thieves Hand Sanitizer – to keep hands clean on the go (a must-have for parents).
- Portable charger – got keep that battery on my phone full!
- Glasses and extra set of contacts – if you wear contacts like me bring an extra set of them in your purse. Bring your glasses too!
- Headphones – to watch movies or listen to podcasts or music. Make sure your headphones are the old school ones that are still compatible with planes (not the new I-phone headphones :) )
- Mini supplement case with your favorite vitamins – I like probiotics like Life 9 or Inner Defense for supporting a healthy immune system (get them here for wholesale pricing).
- Favorite essential oils – like DiGize for digestion, Lavender for sleep and relaxation, Stress Away for dealing with travel overwhelm, and PanAway for soothing muscles. I’ve brought up to 20 bottles (5 ml size) in a carry-on before and never had any issues with airport security.
Wellness Remedies
- DiGize essential oil – I use this oil blend (made with fennel, tarragon, anise, peppermint and other essential oils) to help support healthy digestion. When we eat greasy foods or just foods that don’t agree with us, we take DiGize. It’s also excellent to use for long car rides or high altitudes.
- Cool Azul Pain Cream – This pain cream is a god-send for sore muscles after sitting too long on a plane or long car ride, or even after a long day of walking or hiking. It soothes muscles and joint stiffness (get it for wholesale pricing here).
- Inner Defense – I never leave home without this supplement. It helps to support a healthy immune system.
- Life 9 – probiotic supplement that keeps my gut happy when I travel. For both Life 9 and Inner defense, you can get it for wholesale pricing here.
My Travel Routine
- Before I get on the plane or on the road, I take 1-2 oz of Ningxia Red It’s an antioxidant drink that’s fantastic for keeping the immune system healthy. They come in 2 oz travel packets too and I toss enough for my whole trip in my packed bag.
- I also take Inner Defense and Life 9 (probiotics) both from Young Living. I want to keep my gut as all health starts in the gut.
- Opt out of the body scanner at the airport. It doesn’t take much longer to do. It’s just a pat-down and they check your bags. It's way better than the radiation you'll pick up from the other machine.
- Board the plane and settle into my seat. Use my Thieves Spray to clean surfaces I’ll be using like the seat handles and tray table. Use Thieves to keep my hands clean.
- Put on some Stress Away essential oil and Peace and Calming Essential Oil to help me settle down after all the hustle and bustle of getting to the airport.
- Put in my ear phones and listen to audible or read.
NingXia Red, Thieves Spray, Thieves Hand Sanitizer, Peace and Calming, Thieves, Digize and Stress Away are all part of a starter set of essential oils that I use. Learn more about it here.
Need more travel tips? Be sure to check out The Mama Vault.
What always makes your bag for travel?
